You never want to learn that a loved one, such as an elderly parent, needs to move into a nursing home. However, if the time comes, you shouldn’t hesitate to step in and provide assistance where you can.
Helping a loved one choose a nursing home is easier said than done, especially if they’re not keen on the idea. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can help them make a sound decision.
Here are some of the things you should do:
- Create a list: Rather than randomly choose a nursing home and ask your loved one if it’s okay, create a list of all the facilities in their area. You can start with a large number, such as 10, and then cut it down as you compare the pros and cons of each one.
- Talk about money: It’s your hope that your loved one thought about this in advance, meaning that they have a clear idea of how they’ll pay for nursing home care. However, this may not be the case, which means you have to focus on this now. Common options include Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and personal assets.
- Visit in person: Maybe you do this by yourself, or maybe your loved one comes along with you. Either way, an in-person visit gives you the opportunity to learn more about the facility and the way they operate. This alone should help you eliminate some of the nursing homes from your list.
There is no right or wrong way to help a loved one choose a nursing home, as no two people are facing the exact same circumstances. However, when you focus on the three details above, you’re at least putting yourself in a position to provide as much assistance as possible.
If you have questions about nursing home care, long-term planning, or anything else along those lines, contact us for professional advice.
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